Post Mortem, Turkey 2020.

Back from the Giving of Thanks trip. Going to cover some of the high/low lights, and summarize.

The Drive: To sum up, the drive in was fun and cool, the drive back sucked llama nuts. Got out of SSF shortly after 11a, made good time all the way really, no real slow downs on the way there aside from a couple rural roads that couldn't be sped upon too greatly. Stopped only once for gas, the cooler with the fraps and the apples worked fine, and the new car was a comfortable and efficient cage for the drive. 

I had to compromise on tunes, the phone had to be hooked into the USB port for navigation and the other port didn't output the iPad for music, so I had no playlist just random phone music. A little jarring to hear Mozart after Queens of the Stone Age but it was OK I guess. Android Auto worked great for navigation. The drive was nice at times, I went through the Tehachapis in late afternoon which was beautiful, then hit the Mohave right at dusk which was nice too. The I-15 part was all in the dark which was fine. Coming over the ranges to the southwest of Vegas and seeing it off in the distance sparkling brought a "yeah bitch!". Got in around 7:30p, great time and in great spirits, not too tired out.

The drive back was just hellish. I was tired, hung over and had other "things" working against me (see later on), it was uncomfortable and I felt paranoid and unwell and it took forever, seemingly. Traffic was worse than on the drive in, came to a complete stop several times once I hit I-5. Other cars were impatient and aggressive and it was just generally unpleasant. Left at around 11:20a after getting gas and got back after 9p. I'm sure the after-holiday traffic had something to do with it but if I ever drive again the route and timing of the week will have to be improved. BUT, I got back, and spent only maybe $70 total on gas for the trip.

The Room: Got stuck in the base room at NoMad, no upgrade. Atelier was considered a suite. Was slightly molded but got over it. As it was the Classic King was about what I expected, it was small but well appointed, everything worked and was quality, good shower, quiet enough, and the location was good. Nothing bad happened room-wise. Park MGM resort same as always. Meh but fine. Nothing that would make me pine to stay there again unless a suite upgrade at booking was avail.

The Eating and Drinking: Again, about what I expected. It was very slow in town, especially Tues and Wed-Thurs, picked up a little Fri but not much. Stuck to a few of the reservations but also free floated a bit. No food on the trip blew me away at all, including Bavette's, for the second time. Probably a no going forward. The drinking was mostly fine, never really had any trouble getting a bar seat and had some good times with some of the bartenders, including Evan and Daniel at Electra/Rosina as always. Vesper was good times for wake up espresso martinis. Didn't spend too much on either really, aside from some healthy tips.

The Gambling: Came out about even I think? $2200 coin-in at Mlife, primarily Park MGM and only lost $250. Didn't gain much in points or Ex Comps. Coin-in harder to tell at Cosmo but probably about even or maybe a slight loss. Gained a few hundred more Identity points which is good and was the sole goal really. Played almost exclusively VP. A few 4OAKs and a straight flush hit, nothing bigger. All in all it was fine and I came home with almost a full day's save so a good result.

The Huh?: I got into a drug conversation with a bartender in town that I've known for years, and he hooked me up with some shrooms for the Friday night festivities. My first time. It was not a big deal, it warped my vision a bit and made me slightly goofy but I was functional and had a good time. It was a fairly small dose which was good. Was doing this alongside the little bag of blow I was doing key bumps out of occasionally, so it made for a fun night. It did mess with my vision and nerves a bit the next day as I was struggling to drive home, but in all it was worth the experience. 

To sum it all up, it was about all to plan. Nothing terrible, nothing amazing, and I stayed within budget. The word I kept using in this post is "fine" and that's what it was. Driving may not be too advisable in the future unless a budget trip is needed, but otherwise a good use of the 5 days off. Now just 3 weeks to (hopefully) the Xmas trip.